Avastin

Mom got a call from Dr. Manalo today to come and see her asap. Since she is leaving early tomorrow morning for San Francisco we headed into the office together late this afternoon. The PET scan did not have good news. The cancer has returned to areas in her back, has grown on her liver, and the tumor in her lung has also grown. With that said, the Dr has ordered a new line of treatment. One we had originally wanted, but couldn't because it was in her brain, but as a second line treatment it is available if the insurance approves it.

We have heard wonderful things about Avastin. It isn't chemo, but is an inhibitor and will stop the blood supply to the cancerous areas. She will take this along with carboplatin that she was using two months ago.

Mom was emotional after she heard the news. It is frustrating when things don't go the way you want them to. But she is willing and hoping that the new drug will work.

We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to give thanks to all those around you. Thanks for your continued support.
Val

Anybody still out there?

I cannot believe how much time has passed since the last entry. Well, let's fill you in on the latest. Mom went down to the one chemo drug and unfortunately it has created a variety of not-so-fun side effects. I will name a few that I can remember...her feet hurt, her body aches, her back is sore, she pulled a muscle in her neck, she felt nauseous...you get the idea. Characteristic of mom though, she hasn't let it stop her.

She hasn't missed a day of work except for the Dr. appointments, helped with the school carnival, she attended Time Out for Women, went up north to watch a soccer game and visit with family, had parent/teacher conferences, and frankly, too many other things to mention.

She did have an especially emotional week last week as we remembered my dad's passing six years ago. I know that she still misses him greatly.

At her appointment today she found out that she isn't anemic anymore and is grateful not to have to get the red blood cell shot. She will have a PET scan on Friday to check to make sure that all of the ache in her back isn't the cancer growing again. I will let you know the results when I get them.

As we head into the holiday season I hope that we can all remember our many blessings and show an increase of gratitude to those people in our lives who mean so much to us. I include all of you who love mom as people I am so grateful for. We are blessed to call you friends.